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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The outro of Beck’s song “Morning” features a beautiful and interesting chord progression in the key of E major. This progression has a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords that creates an evocative sonority and dreamy atmosphere, fitting seamlessly with the rest of the song.

“Paper Tiger” by Beck is a unique and stylistic piece, displaying a blend of various genres and influences. The verse 2 chord progression is quite simple, but the harmonic choices create tension and provide a sense of movement throughout the progression. Combining the elements of rock, folk, and alternative music, this chord progression is both intriguing and musically satisfying.

“Rocket Man” by Elton John, released in 1972, is a melodic and harmonically sophisticated example of his pop/rock style. The piece is in the key of G, and the chord progression of Verse 2 introduces some harmonies that exploit john’s expertise in using extended and altered chords, which lend colorfulness and a feel of departure and return. The use of slash chords like G/B and D/F# creates a descending bass line that is very characteristic of pop and rock music, creating a sense of melodic movement within the chords themselves. Verse 2 is navigated skillfully between simplistic and complex harmonies.

“The Bullet With Butterfly Wings” by The Smashing Pumpkins essentially revolves around the use of power chords, or 5th chords, to project a raw, grungy intensity. The chord progression (B5, Em, G5), extracted from the second verse of the song, is prominent throughout. The use of power chords results in a composition that doesn’t transpose to a traditional major or minor key, but fits within a modal framework.

“When You Die” by MGMT features a fairly unconventional chord progression that mixes elements of rock, pop, and classic psychedelia. The progression creates tension and intrigue through the use of extended harmonies, chromaticism, and borrowed chords. The distinctiveness of this progression contributes to the song’s unique sound.

Beck – Morning – VERSE 2

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Chord Progression

E, A, G#m, F#m, E, A, G#m, F#m, E, A, G#m, F#m, E, A, G#m, F#m, E, A, G#m, F#m, E, A, G#m, F#m

Chord Progression Analysis

E Major (I) – A Major (IV) – G# minor (iii) – F# minor (ii)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Let It Be” by The Beatles:
C Major (I) – G Major (V) – A minor (vi) – F Major (IV)

2. “Creep” by Radiohead:
G Major (I) – B Major (III) – C Major (IV) – C minor (iv)

3. “Someone Like You” by Adele:
A Major (I) – E Major (V) – F# minor (vi) – D Major (IV)

4. “No Surprises” by Radiohead:
D Major (I) – B minor (vi) – G Major (IV) – G minor (iv)

Musical Analysis

This progression begins on the E Major tonic chord (I) which establishes the key center of the song. It then moves to the subdominant chord (IV), A Major, introducing warmth and color. Next, it resolves to the mediant, G# minor (iii), which shares two common tones with the A Major chord. This relationship provides a smooth transition that adds a melancholy element. Finally, the progression moves to the supertonic (ii), F# minor, adding tension and propelling the progression back to the tonic (I), E Major.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in the verse 2 of Beck’s “Morning” is an example of a common progression in popular music, involving the I, IV, iii, and ii chords. The harmony is mostly diatonic, staying within the key of E major. The progression features regular 4-chord phrases and a smooth, consonant flow between chords.

Style Analysis

Beck’s “Morning” falls within the genre of indie folk and acoustic rock. The chord progression’s simplicity and diatonic nature are common in these genres, offering a comforting quality that supports storytelling lyrics. The use of easy-to-play open chords and repetitive nature contribute to the song’s accessibility for listeners and musicians alike.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Morning by Beck are:

E, A, G#m, F#m, E, A, G#m, F#m, E, A, G#m, F#m, E, A, G#m, F#m, E, A, G#m, F#m, E, A, G#m, F#m